What initials mean?

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Ever since I first got my Mark XVII, there's not a day gone by that I haven't spent a good amount of time just looking at the watch. Anyway, curious me got to thinking what the stamped initials on the straps near the lugs mean? Based from different photos I have seen, and I may be wrong, they are all different even with watches of the same models. Tried searching but had no luck finding answers so far. Hope someone here can shed more light to this and help me appreciate my watch even more!

For straps google IWC straps 2009 PDF. It's a list of straps available by colour width and length and it does state whether for pin or deployant buckle. Another source is the Weeber machine but that is getting out of date and certainly does not include Santoni variants. I find the Weeber machine does not work with iPads though. Wish the 2009 list was updated and likewise part of this site.The 2009 PDF does not state whether curved or straight ends for the spring bars that I have noticed.

To go back to the original question, it's more than the supplier. All alligator straps are coded so they can be traced to the farm where the skin is from and even more specifically (I'm not sure if it's to the year, to a given group of animals, etc.). This is because of the stringent worldwide rules regarding exports/imports of endangered species.

This question pops up occasionally, and I believe there's more in the archives. But no codes ;)

Michael Friedberg Wrote:To go back to the original question, it's more than the supplier. All alligator straps are coded so they can be traced to the farm where the skin is from and even more specifically (I'm not sure if it's to the year, to a given group of animals, etc.). This is because of the stringent worldwide rules regarding exports/imports of endangered species.

This question pops up occasionally, and I believe there's more in the archives. But no codes ;)

Interesting. A detail maybe, but the code is stamped on the non-alligator part of the strap. Depending on the procedure followed this could mean anything or nothing.

Kind regards,Paul

What you do may not be so important, but it is very important that you do it well. (my variation of a saying by Gandhi)

156 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 24, 2013Los Angeles,
United States

Can the straps be personalized? I would think the answer is yes, but curious what the cost and anybody here as managed to get a personalized strap? When I am logged in and looking at some photos under collections i have noticed at least two images showing up with a strap that is personalized as RAY, which means this is an option available. What is the cost in rough numbers?

RayinLA Wrote:Can the straps be personalized? I would think the answer is yes, but curious what the cost and anybody here as managed to get a personalized strap? When I am logged in and looking at some photos under collections i have noticed at least two images showing up with a strap that is personalized as RAY, which means this is an option available. What is the cost in rough numbers?

RayinLA Wrote:Can the straps be personalized? I would think the answer is yes, but curious what the cost and anybody here as managed to get a personalized strap? When I am logged in and looking at some photos under collections i have noticed at least two images showing up with a strap that is personalized as RAY, which means this is an option available. What is the cost in rough numbers?

Ray,

When you get a moment, please post those "personalized" strap photos. If the letters R A Y appear exactly in the location as the manufacturers ID and the letter font the same, I suspect it's a coincidence that your name is the same as one of the suppliers ID.

Unfortunately, I can never personalize anything using my "initials". Andy S. Stevens just doesn't bode well.